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53 Delicious, Easy Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’ve Got to Try

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Thanksgiving is a time of plenty and nothing says โ€œfeastโ€ quite like an array of sides. These easy Thanksgiving side dishes will help you make quick work of this mega-feast.

In fact, some of these Thanksgiving sides are so simple to make, you can prep them a day or two in advance. Because who wants to spend the whole day cooking?

Photo collage of three Thanksgiving side dishes with text overlay.

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Each year my family gathers to feast on our tried-and-true easy Thanksgiving sides like orange salad and Katie’s cornbread casserole

But I also use the holiday dinner as a chance to try a few new ideas too. This year Bacon Wrapped Green Beans and Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes are on my short list.


Easy Recipes for Thanksgiving

We’ve got 50+ easy dishes that will allow you to quickly whip up some tasty sides this Thanksgiving. And keeping the menu simple means you’ll gain precious time to spend with your family. Because thatโ€™s what the holiday is all about after all!

As you plan for the big holiday meal, identify a few make-ahead side dishes. These will get prepped and made a few days ahead of the holiday which lightens up your workload the day of the meal.

The key to a stress-free Thanksgiving is to make simple sides that donโ€™t require much hands-on time or take up too much oven space. Think about what will need to go in the oven and how to share oven space with the big bird.

And don’t forget to make use of your small appliances like the air fryer, Instant Pot and microwave if you’re short on oven space.

If you like to get your kids involved with cooking, many of these easy Thanksgiving recipes are the perfect dishes to have your kids help with. And the end result is a delicious, stress-free meal that brings the family together.

If you’re preparing starters for the big meal, check out 27 Easy Thanksgiving Appetizer recipes.

And if you’ve got leftovers to use up, we’ve got you covered with 42 recipes using Thanksgiving leftovers.

What are you making this year for Thanksgiving? Got anything new youโ€™re trying? I would love to hear about it.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!


Your ultimate guide to a hassle-free, enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.

  


Photo collage of Thanksgiving side dishes with text overlay.

EASY THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES

Appetizers & Starters

top shot of baked brie with walnuts and cranberries next to bread and nuts
Baked Brie with Cranberries and Walnuts
We've take a plain wheel of brie and doctored it up to be worthy of your holiday table. And it's ready in about 25 minutes.
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Classic Stuffed Mushrooms
Serve this classic recipe as a quick and easy party appetizer or as a vegetarian side dish for the holidays.
Photo credit: Peas and Crayons
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close up of cranberry crostini garnished with lime zest
Cranberry Crostini Recipe
Creamy cheese and tart cranberry sauce piled on top of crispy bread is the perfect start to your holiday meal.
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Sweet Potatoes and Candied Pecan Bruschetta Recipe
Packed with flavor, this easy bruschetta recipe is a pretty addition to your appetizer table.
Photo credit: The Worktop
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Closeup view of white bowl filled with Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip surround by mandarin oranges, grapes and strawberries.
Marshmallow Fluff Fruit Dip
Pair the 2-ingredient dip with your favorite fruits like strawberries, apples and grapes for a sweet start to the meal.
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closeup view of crudite board with a bowl of creamy dip.
Crudite Board with Knorr Veggie Dip
Serve your favorite veggies with this easy semi-homemade dip, perfect for guests to munch on while you finish preparing your holiday dinner.
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Harvest Cheese Ball
Made with 2 kinds of cheese and studded with dried fruits and nuts, this easy cheese ball is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner.
Photo credit: Princess Pinky Girl
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thanksgiving charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, fruits, next to mini forks
Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board
Perfect for a starter or quick dinner, this pretty snacking board is packed with hearty meat, cheeses and fruits.
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close up of a cheese ball rolled in pecans next to veggies and crackers
Classic Cheese Ball
This savory cheese ball recipe is made with 2 kinds of cheese and a flavorful seasoning blend. Serve it with sliced veggies and your favorite crackers.
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3 slices of cranberry orange bread stacked topped with icing
Cranberry Orange Loaf
Serve this simple quick bread with seasonal spreads or as part of the bread basket.
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Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball
This cute little cheese ball is made with ranch seasoning and 3 kinds of cheese. Serve it with your favorite crackers.
Photo credit: The Country Cook
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Savory Salads

closeup of bowl of broccoli salad with bacon and cranberries
Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries
Eating your greens is easy with this colorful salad. It's packed with bacon and cranberries and tossed in a creamy homemade dressing.
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Fall Salad with Candied Pecans, Bacon, Apples & Shaved Brussels Sprouts
The sweetness of candied pecans and apples meets the savory notes of bacon and the refreshing crispness of shaved Brussels sprouts in this vibrant fall salad recipe.
Photo credit: Bless This Mess
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Thanksgiving Slaw
Thanksgiving Slaw
This light and crunchy cabbage salad with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette is a colorful addition to your holiday dinner table.
Photo credit: The Kitchn
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Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad with Cranberries with seeds and pecans in a white bowl
Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad with Cranberries
Tender kale meets the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the rich, savory notes of bacon. Tossed in a honey mustard dressing it's sure to be a favorite with your guests.
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Thanksgiving Salad
Thanksgiving Salad
This colorful salad is bursting with seasonal ingredients like pomegranate, pears, pecans, & brie and drizzled in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.
Photo credit: Five Heart Home
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top shot of apple celery walnut salad on lettuce with text overlay
Waldorf Salad
The classic Waldorf Salad features the perfect balance of crunchy textures and creamy dressing, ideal for all your holiday gatherings.
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Savory Side Dishes

top view of Amish mashed potatoes in a white bowl drizzled with browned butter
Creamy Amish Mashed Potatoes
Rich, buttery flavors meet creamy mashed potatoes for a dish that warms the heart and soul. This simple yet hearty recipe is a timeless favorite, delivering classic comfort food vibes with every bite.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Cinnamon Butternut Squash, Pecans & Cranberries
Bring a touch of holiday spirit to your table with this colorful side dish. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Photo credit: Julias Album
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close up of green bean casserole topped with fried french onions in a glass dish with text overlay
Classic Green Bean Casserole
This classic side dish features a blend of creamy green beans with a crisp, savory topping. It's a holiday staple that complements any festive spread.
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Fresh Green Beans with Garlic and Toasted Almonds
Fresh green beans are sauteed in butter and olive oil with almonds and garlic for a simple stovetop side dish.
Photo credit: My Turn for Use
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Close up of Skillet Creamed Corn in a serving bowl.
Homemade Skillet Creamed Corn with Cream Cheese
Crisp sweet corn meets a rich, velvety sauce for an indulgent side dish to complement your holiday meal.
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Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole
If you're short on oven space use your air fryer to make a batch of this classic holiday dish.
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash Slices
Slightly sweet and tender acorn squash is cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
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cheesy potatoes with cornflake topping in a glass baking dish with graphic overlay
Cornflake Hashbrown Casserole
These cheesy potatoes are topped with a crunchy cornflake topping for the ultimate holiday comfort food.
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Roasted Lemon Balsamic Asparagus
Roasted asparagus is infused with citrusy lemon and flavorful balsamic vinegar for an easy Thanksgiving side dish.
Photo credit: Tater Tots and Jello
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sweet potato wedges in basket with two types of dipping sauces
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
The perfect balance of crispy texture and natural sweetness, this a great way to get the younger kids to eat sweet potatoes.
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Katie's Cornbread Casserole - Perfect for parties, potlucks & picnics | A Reinvented Mom
Katie’s Cornbread Casserole
Similar to cornbread but 100 times better! It wouldn't be a holiday dinner if my bestie didn't bring a dish of this hearty cornbread.
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Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere
Luxurious layers of creamy potatoes meet the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyere cheese for a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated.
Photo credit: Sidewalk Shoes
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Sweet and Spicy Cornbread Casserole
If you like a little kick in your cornbread you'll love this easy corn casserole recipe.
Photo credit: Twitchetts
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Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
What's a holiday dinner without mashed potatoes. These rich, velvety potatoes can be made ahead of time, making your meal prep a breeze.
Photo credit: Jamie Cooks It Up
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Turkey Gravy
This classic accompaniment is made from turkey drippings and adds rich flavor to turkey and mashed potatoes.
Photo credit: My Turn For Us
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Glazed Sweet Potato Coins
Rich sweet potato slices are coated in a sweet and savory glaze and caramelized to perfection for a hearty side dish.
Photo credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground
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sweet potato sliced open after cooking in the instant pot topped with butter and pecans with text overlay
Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
If you're short on oven space use your pressure cooker to make these creamy baked sweet potatoes.
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Sweet Side Dishes

closeup of bowl of mandarin orange jello salad on a wooden cutting board
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
One of my most requested dishes, the combination of citrusy mandarin oranges and smooth Jello brings a burst of color and freshness to any meal. We serve this classic dish as a side but you can serve it as a dessert if that's how you roll.
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Mom's Creamy New York Fruit Salad - feature | A Reinvented Mom
Mom’s Creamy New York Fruit Salad
My Mom has been making this recipe for over 40 years and it's still a family favorite. Tender pasta and fruits are coated with a creamy dressing for not-to-sweet side dish.
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Closeup of a white bowl filled with cranberry fluff garnished with marshmallows and fresh cranberries.
Cranberry Orange Fluff Salad
The not-to-sweet fluff salad is the perfect way to showcase seasonal flavors. Serve it as a side dish or a dessert.
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close up of grape salad topped with nuts in a small bowl
Classic Creamy Grape Salad
Sweet grapes and a luscious creamy dressing make this classic recipe an easy and refreshing addition to your meal or dessert spread.
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Apple Pomegranate Salad
Add a burst of freshness to your meal with this easy Apple Pomegranate Salad, where crisp apple slices and juicy pomegranate seeds create a delicious flavor combination.
Photo credit: Love To Be in the Kitchen
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closeup of ambrosia salad with cool whip in a small ramekin next to marshmallows
Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip
The dreamy combination of fluffy Cool Whip and vibrant fruits makes this nostalgic dessert a refreshing addition to your holiday gathering.
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white bowl filled with homemade cranberry sauce on a grey wooden background with napkin and spoon
Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
This homemade cranberry sauce recipe is made with fresh cranberries and brings a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table.
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Dixie Salad
This refreshing salad combines crunchy nuts and juicy fruits with a creamy sauce for a versatile side dish or dessert.
Photo credit: Bless This Mess
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Cranberry Fluff Salad
A delightful blend of tangy cranberries and a luscious creamy sauce, this easy fluff salad is perfect for your harvest dinners.
Photo credit: The Kitchen Is My Playground
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Cranberry Millionaire Salad
A pretty addition to your holiday table, the creamy texture is the perfect match to the tart and juicy cranberries.
Photo credit: Spend With Pennies
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Breads and Quick Rolls

zoomed view of easy yeast rolls
Easy Yeast Rolls for Beginners
It's never been easier to make classic dinner rolls at home. These beginner-friendly rolls have a soft and fluffy texture in every bite.
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Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Bread
A perfect blend of aromatic spices and creamy vanilla brings cozy flavors and warmth to every bite of this delicious bread.
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Rosemary Dinner Rolls
With a delightful blend of earthy rosemary and pillowy softness, these dinner rolls offer a gourmet touch to any table setting.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy
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Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
A delightful blend of sweet and savory, these easy dinner rolls offer a soft and fluffy texture that enhances any meal.
Photo credit: Bunnys Warm Oven
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Heavenly Dinner Rolls
Your guests will love these light and airy rolls and the rich buttery flavor makes them an irresistible addition to your holiday spread.
Photo credit: Lil Luna
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Amish Dinner Rolls
Experience the nostalgic charm of Amish Dinner Rolls, where traditional, homemade goodness meets a soft and fluffy texture.
Photo credit: Gather for Bread
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Easy Buttery Yeast Rolls
Featuring a rich, buttery flavor, these easy yeast rolls have a soft and fluffy texture.
Photo credit: Wholefully
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Cornbread muffins stacked on a white platter.
Cornbread Muffins (Air Fryer and Oven Directions)
The perfect blend of sweet and savory, these golden cornbread muffins can be made in the air fryer or oven.
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Beverages

The Perfect Thanksgiving Drink
This holiday drink features festive flavors to create a refreshing and satisfying addition to your holiday feast.
Photo credit: I Should Be Mopping the Floor
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Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria
With a blend of cranberry and apple cider, this refreshing sangria adds a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
Photo credit: Flavor and Savour
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This post was originally published on 11/19/17 and updated on 11/8/18, 11/15/19, 11/30/22 and 11/11/24.

 

Photo collage of five Thanksgiving side dishes with text overlay.

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Photo collage of Thanksgiving side dishes with text overlay.

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